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The Oyster Box

5.0 star property
Upmarket beachfront hotel with spa, near Umhlanga Rocks Beach

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your current months are January, 2025 and February, 2025.
January 2025
February 2025

Photo gallery for The Oyster Box

2 outdoor pools, pool umbrellas, pool loungers
2 restaurants, breakfast, lunch, dinner served; Indian cuisine
Presidential Suite
Couples treatment room(s), Turkish bath/hammam, aromatherapy
Presidential Suite | Living area
VIP Access

Reviews

9.6 out of 10

Exceptional

Popular amenities

  • Pet-friendly
  • Airport transfer
  • Electric vehicle charging point
  • Bar
  • Pool
  • 24/7 front desk

Main amenities (12)

  • Daily housekeeping
  • On the beach
  • 2 restaurants and 3 bars/lounges
  • Full-service spa
  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Breakfast available
  • Free children's club
  • Free supervised childcare
  • Health club
  • Sauna
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Beach sunloungers

Feel at home (6)

  • Children stay free
  • Free cots/infant beds
  • Babysitting (surcharge)
  • Children's club (free)
  • Premium TV channels
  • Garden
The price is NZ$827
includes taxes & fees
9 Jan - 10 January 2025

Room options

Available filters for rooms
Showing 11 of 11 rooms

View all photos for Presidential Suite

Presidential Suite | Exterior detail

Presidential Suite

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Bathrobes
  • 450 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Superior Villa (Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)

Superior Villa (Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)

Superior Villa (Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Ceiling fan
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
  • 105 sq m
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Family Room, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Family Room, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Family Room, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
  • 36 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 4
  • 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Luxury Suite, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Luxury Suite, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Ceiling fan
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
  • 55 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Deluxe Suite, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Deluxe Suite, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Deluxe Suite, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Ceiling fan
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
  • 76 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 2
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Villa (Garden Loft Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)

Villa (Garden Loft Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)

Villa (Garden Loft Non-Sea Facing King/Twin)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Ceiling fan
Premium bedding
Separate bedroom
  • 64 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 Single Bed

View all photos for Junior Room, 1 King Bed (Cabana)

Scooter/moped

Junior Room, 1 King Bed (Cabana)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
  • 36 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Classic Room (Garden Facing)

Classic Room (Garden Facing)

Classic Room (Garden Facing)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
  • 32 sq m
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Classic Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Classic Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Private bathroom
  • 27 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Luxury Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Premium bedding, minibar, in-room safe, desk

Luxury Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing (Sea Facing)

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Separate bath and shower
  • 30 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

View all photos for Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing

Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing

Room, 1 King Bed, Sea Facing

Highlights

Patio
Air conditioning
Free cots/infant beds
Smart TV
Pillow menu
Premium bedding
Ceiling fan
Separate bath and shower
  • 36 sq m
  • Sea view
  • Sleeps 3
  • 1 King Bed

Similar properties

Beach/ocean view

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Spa
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9.0 out of 10, Wonderful, (117)
The price is NZ$424
includes taxes & fees
29 Jan - 30 January 2025
Beverly Hills
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About the area

Map
2 Lighthouse Road, Umhlanga, KwaZulu-Natal, 4320

What's nearby

  • Umhlanga Lighthouse - 8 min walk
  • Umhlanga Main Beach - 8 min walk
  • Umhlanga Rocks Beach - 10 min walk
  • Umhlanga Lagoon Nature Trail - 3 min drive
  • Gateway Theatre of Shopping - 4 min drive

Getting around

  • Durban (DUR-King Shaka Intl.) - 21 min drive
  • Airport shuttle (surcharge)
  • Area shuttle

Restaurants

  • ‪Butcher Boys - Umhlanga - ‬4 min walk
  • ‪Tiki Tonga - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪Hooters - ‬2 min walk
  • ‪Doppio Zero - ‬3 min walk
  • ‪The George - ‬5 min walk

About this property

The Oyster Box

At The Oyster Box, you can hit the beach to enjoy the shade from a beach umbrella or relax on a sunlounger, plus windsurfing is nearby. 2 outdoor pools provide fun for everyone, while guests in the mood for pampering can visit the spa to indulge in deep-tissue massages, aromatherapy and manicures and pedicures. The Ocean Terrace, one of 2 restaurants, serves Indian cuisine and is open for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Other highlights at this luxurious hotel include 3 bars/lounges, a free kid's club and a poolside bar. Fellow travellers say good things about the helpful staff and overall property condition.

Languages

Afrikaans, English, French, Spanish, Xhosa, Zulu

At a glance

Hotel size

  • 86 rooms
  • Arranged over 3 floors

Arriving/Leaving

  • Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime
  • Early check-in subject to availability
  • Minimum check-in age – 18
  • Check-out time is 11:00 AM
  • Late check-out subject to availability

Restrictions related to your trip

  • Check COVID-19 restrictions

Special check-in instructions

  • This property offers transfers from the airport (surcharges may apply); guests must contact the property with arrival details before travel, using the contact information on the booking confirmation
  • Front desk staff will greet guests on arrival

Required at check-in

  • Credit card, debit card or cash deposit required for incidental charges
  • Government-issued photo ID may be required
  • Minimum check-in age is 18
  • Minimum Spring Break check-in age is 18

Children

  • Up to 12 children stay free when occupying the parent or guardian's room, using existing bedding
  • Babysitting*
  • Free supervised childcare
  • Free children's club

Pets

  • Pets allowed (2 total)*
  • Service animals welcome
  • Specific rooms only*
  • Food and water bowls available

Internet

  • Free WiFi in public areas
  • Free WiFi and wired internet access in rooms

Parking

  • Free on-site self-parking
  • Free on-site valet parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking on site
  • On-site parking is limited
  • Electric vehicle charging point on site

Transfers

  • Airport shuttle on request (available 24 hours a day)*

Other information

  • Designated smoking area (fines apply)

Property amenities

Food and drink

  • Buffet breakfast (surcharge) each morning 7:00 AM–10:30 AM
  • 2 restaurants
  • 3 bars/lounges
  • Poolside bar
  • Coffee shop
  • Private dining
  • Private picnics
  • Shared fridge
  • 24-hour room service
  • Snack bar/deli

Travelling with children

  • Children stay for free (see details)
  • Free children's club
  • Free supervised childcare/activities
  • Children's menu
  • Children's games
  • Toys

What to do

  • On the beach
  • Horse riding nearby
  • Windsurfing nearby

Working away

  • Business centre
  • Meeting room
  • Computer station
  • Conference centre

Services

  • 24-hour front desk
  • Concierge services
  • Tour/ticket assistance
  • Dry cleaning/laundry services
  • Free newspapers in reception
  • Luggage storage
  • Wedding services
  • Porter/bellhop
  • Beach sunloungers
  • Beach towels
  • Beach umbrellas
  • Pool loungers
  • Pool umbrellas
  • Romance packages

Facilities

  • 3 buildings/towers
  • Built in 1947
  • Safe-deposit box at front desk
  • Garden
  • Picnic area
  • Terrace
  • Library
  • Television in common areas
  • Health club
  • 2 outdoor pools
  • Arcade/games room
  • Full-service spa
  • Sauna
  • Massage/treatment rooms
  • Wine-tasting room
  • At least 80% of food locally sourced
  • Vegan dining options
  • Vegetarian dining options
  • Locally owned and organised tours and activities
  • Local artist showcase
  • At least 10% of profits reinvested in community and sustainability
  • Double-glazed windows
  • Comprehensive food waste policy
  • Comprehensive recycling policy
  • No plastic soft drinks bottles
  • No plastic coffee stirrers
  • No plastic drinking straws
  • No plastic water bottles
  • Reusable cups only
  • Reusable tableware only
  • Banquet hall

Accessibility

  • Wheelchair-accessible
  • Lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible path of travel
  • Wheelchair-accessible parking
  • Wheelchair-accessible public bathroom
  • Wheelchair-accessible concierge desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible path to lift
  • Wheelchair-accessible registration desk
  • Wheelchair-accessible spa
  • Wheelchair-accessible pool
  • Wheelchair-accessible fitness centre
  • Wheelchair-accessible business centre
  • Wheelchair-accessible restaurant
  • Wheelchair-accessible lounge
  • Handrails in hallways
  • Handrails in stairwells
  • Wheelchairs available on site
  • Raised toilet seat
  • Low-height worktop and sink
  • Grab bar near toilet
  • Tile flooring in room

Room amenities

Be entertained

  • 43-inch Smart TV
  • Premium satellite channels

Home comfort

  • Heating (climate-controlled) and air conditioning
  • Ceiling fan
  • Minibar
  • Coffee/tea maker
  • Electric kettle
  • Dressing gowns and slippers
  • Iron/ironing board (on request)

Sleep well

  • Pillow menu
  • Turndown service
  • Alarm clock
  • Premium bedding
  • Free cot/infant bed
  • Rollaway/extra bed (surcharge)

What to enjoy

  • Patio

Freshen up

  • Free toiletries
  • Hairdryer
  • Towels
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste (on request)
  • Toilet paper

Stay connected

  • Desk
  • Free newspapers
  • Free WiFi and wired internet
  • Phone
  • Desk chair
  • Electrical adapters/chargers

Food and drink

  • Champagne service
  • Free bottled water
  • High chair
  • Reusable coffee/tea filters

More

  • Daily housekeeping
  • In-room safe
  • Access via exterior corridors
  • Energy-saving switches
  • LED light bulbs
  • Water-efficient toilets only
  • Guidebooks/recommendations
  • Restaurant dining guide

Special features

Spa

The on-site spa has 6 treatment rooms, including rooms for couples. Services include deep-tissue massages, hot stone massages, Swedish massages and facials. A variety of treatment therapies are provided, including aromatherapy. The spa is equipped with Turkish bath/hammam.

The spa is open daily. Guests under 16 years old are not allowed in the spa.

Dining

The Ocean Terrace – Overlooking the ocean, this family restaurant specialises in Indian cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. A children's menu is available. Reservations are required.
Palm Court – This coffee shop specialises in international cuisine and serves breakfast, lunch and dinner. Open 24 hours. Reservations are required. Open daily.
The Grill Room – This fine-dining restaurant specialises in international cuisine and only serves dinner. Reservations are required. Open daily.
The Lighthouse Bar – This rooftop bar specialises in international cuisine and only serves light fare. Open daily.
The Oyster Bar – This Champagne bar specialises in international cuisine and only serves light fare. Open daily.

Awards and affiliations

The Oyster Box is listed in the 2021 Travel + Leisure 500.

Fees & policies

Refundable deposits

  • Breakage deposit: ZAR 1000 per stay

Optional extras

  • Buffet breakfast is offered for an extra charge of approximately ZAR 495 for adults and ZAR 495 for children
  • Airport shuttle service is offered for an extra charge of ZAR 510 per vehicle (one-way)
  • Early check-in can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)
  • Late check-out can be arranged for an extra charge (subject to availability)

Children & extra beds

  • Babysitting is available for an extra charge
  • Rollaway beds are available for ZAR 495.0 per night

Pets

  • Service animals exempt from fees
  • Pet deposit: ZAR 1000 per night
  • Pets are allowed for an extra charge of ZAR 1000 per pet, per night

Pool, spa, & gym (if applicable)

  • Children under 18 years old are not allowed in the fitness facility without adult supervision
  • Guests under 16 years old are not allowed in the spa
  • Reservations are required for massage services and spa treatments and can be made by contacting the property before arrival at the number on the booking confirmation

Policies

Only registered guests are allowed in the guestrooms.
Some facilities may have restricted access. Guests can contact the property for details using the contact information on the booking confirmation.
This property uses a grey water recycling system.
Guests can rest easy knowing that there's a fire extinguisher, a security system and a first aid kit on-site.
This property welcomes guests of all sexual orientations and gender identities (LGBTQ+ friendly).
This property accepts credit cards, debit cards and cash.

Also known as

Box Oyster
Oyster Box
Oyster Box Hotel
Oyster Box Hotel Umhlanga
Oyster Box Umhlanga
Oyster Box Umhlanga Rocks
The Oyster Box Hotel
The Oyster Box Umhlanga
Oyster Box Umhlanga Rocks
The Oyster Box Hotel Umhlanga

Frequently asked questions

Does The Oyster Box offer free cancellation for a full refund?
Yes, The Oyster Box does have fully refundable room rates available to book on our site. If you’ve booked a fully refundable room rate, this can be cancelled up to a few days before check-in, depending on the property's cancellation policy. Just make sure that you check this property's cancellation policy for the exact terms and conditions.
Is there a pool at The Oyster Box?
Yes, there are 2 outdoor pools.
Are pets allowed at The Oyster Box?
Yes, pets are welcome, with a limit of 2 total. There's a charge of ZAR 1000 per pet, per night, and there's also a deposit of ZAR 1000 per night. Service animals are exempt from fees. Food and water bowls are available.
Is parking offered on site at The Oyster Box?
Yes, there's free self and valet parking. Parking spaces may be limited. Electric car charging is available.
Is an airport shuttle service offered by The Oyster Box?
Yes, an airport shuttle is available. The charge is ZAR 510 per vehicle one-way.
What are the check-in and check-out times at The Oyster Box?
Check-in start time: 2:00 PM; check-in end time: anytime. There's a charge for early check-in (subject to availability). Check-out time is 11:00 AM. Late check-out is available for a charge (subject to availability).
Is there an on-site casino at The Oyster Box?
No, this hotel doesn't have a casino, but Sibaya Casino (7-min drive) and Suncoast Casino and Entertainment World (14-min drive) are both nearby.
What is there to do at The Oyster Box and nearby?
Have fun with nearby activities such as horse riding and windsurfing. Indulge in a treatment at the spa and enjoy a swim in one of the 2 outdoor swimming pools. The Oyster Box also has 3 bars, a sauna and a Turkish bath, as well as an arcade, a picnic area and a garden.
Are there restaurants at or near The Oyster Box?
Yes, there are 2 on-site restaurants, featuring Indian cuisine and ocean views.
Does The Oyster Box have any outdoor private spaces?
Yes, every room features a patio.
What's the area around The Oyster Box like?
The Oyster Box is a short 8-minute walk from Umhlanga Lighthouse and 8 minutes' walk from Umhlanga Main Beach.

The Oyster Box Reviews

Reviews

9.6

Exceptional

9.8/10

Cleanliness

9.8/10

Staff & service

9.6/10

Amenities

9.6/10

Property conditions & facilities

9.8/10

Eco-friendliness

Reviews

10/10 Exceptional

Best hotel and staff ever!
The best hotel we have ever stayed it! The staff are incredible, the food delicious and the beds so comfy. Will definitely stay here again, can't wait!
paul, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Old style hotel, with Raffles-like entrance, and excellent service. Wonderful buffet breakfast. Excellent grill room.
Donald H, 1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Rob, 3-night business trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

We took our little dog with us - the staff were all amazing with her. Definately seen an improvement with staff service. They were all OUTSTANDING
Lauren, 1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

The Oyster Box is an exceptional hotel . The level of service and its unique style is incomparable . George the Maitre D and Somolier in The Grill Restaurant is an absolute asset to the hotel and to The Red Carnation Group
julie, 8-night trip with friends
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Mandisa, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Yet again another amazing stay at the Oyster Box. Thanks to all the staff involved for making the 8 days so perfect, all were exceptional but we would like to give a special thank you to 3 staff that made our 3 hour breakfasts on the Terrace so wonderful, Stephanie, Letho & Andile you were amazing and we can’t wait to come back and see you again next year if not sooner.
Nicholas, 8-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

One of the most stunning hotels I have ever stayed at in the world, everything was of top quality, from the team to the property to the food. Outstanding.
Roberto, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

mark, 2-night trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Great stay
Amazing hotel. Perfect location. Wonderful staff. Excellent restaurants.
3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Wonderful stay
Absolutely super hotel. Excellent service all round. Incredible staff, lovely pool. Great restaurants. Grill room superb. Ideal location
3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

6/10 Good

Oyster Box - Disappointing Stay
The service from staff and overall friendliness of the staff is outstanding. The hotel itself leaves alot to be desired. The rooms are small and everything is crammed into this small space. The set up is old and outdated with take away from the appeal of the hotel. The rooms are not cleaned properly and we often found slithering insects/worms on the floor. The Ocean Terrace - the food was good, not outstanding but my main issues is that staff are not knowledgeable on the wine list or dishes offered. The seating seems to be subjective as on my 1st visit, I was seated right at the door of the hotel. This was uncomfortable. The 2nd night, I was seated under the broken roof, again not ideal. All restaurants close at 10pm even for hotel guests, this is another major issue. When I compare this to the Saxon which is similar in pricing then this hotel is a rip off. The Saxon Hotel is miles ahead on every aspect.
Yegan, 2-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

We loved absoultey everything about this magnificent property. We look forward to our next stay.
Fabrizio, 4-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Olivier, 4-night trip
Verified Ebookers guest review

8/10 Very good

Complim
Its was good however the fruit that was placed in the room was not checked.
Adrian, 1-night business trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

gamenio, 3-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

The Oyster Box is unique and exceptional in every way. It's like stepping back in time but with first rate modern service and attention to detail. The staff are all really lovely, nothing is too much trouble and its the best hotel I have stayed in.
julie, 6-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Yet another fabulous stay at the Oyster Box, such a wonderful place to stay and relax with ultra friendly and efficient staff. We especially look forward to the buffet breakfast, a great way to start the day, sat on the terrace looking out in to the Indian Ocean and spotting the passing whales and dolphins, such a treat. A special mention and thanks must go to Wesley and Clive along with their teams for looking after us as usual, can’t wait for next year.
Nicholas, 7-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Oysterbox never disappoints 🏆
Noluthando, 1-night family trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Stay here !! One of the best hotels in SA!
This has to be one of the best hotels in South Africa. From service to offerings, to quality of offering, attention, cleanliness. Honestly i can not say one bad word about this hotel. If you can, definitely stay here!!! It is a beautiful stunning hotel! Regards,
Pedro, 6-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Julie, 1-night trip with friends
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

Absolutely amazing! Great service and stunning hotel
1-night trip
Verified Hotels.com guest review

10/10 Exceptional

One of the best hotels I have ever stayed in.
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

The Oyster Box is one of my favourite hotels. The decor is beautiful and the ambiance warm and welcoming. The staff are attentive, helpful and pleasant giving excellent service. As usual the meals we had in the restaurants were delicious. All round another wonderful stay.
Shirley, 5-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review

10/10 Exceptional

It was a short stay both times, so we were unable to use the amenities, however we still had an absolutely amazing stay. Staff and service were exceptional, they were very friendly and always ready to assist, and go over and above. The rooms are beautiful, very comfortable and cater to all needs and they made a special surprise for us when we got to the room for our anniversary celebration. We had a sea-facing room which was absolutely stunning to wake up to the sound of the waves and go to sleep to the same. Food was delicious, and the oyster and sparkling wine breakfast buffet was absolutely delicious and catered to every taste. Definitely worth staying there. We would love to go back!
Ferial, 1-night romance trip
Verified Expedia guest review